Simply put, the way we live our life can increase the number of years we live but even more importantly it has a direct impact upon the quality of the years we live. This sounds like common sense to me. There is support that here is a relationship between spirituality and our well-being. Clarifying the relationship is challenging for many reasons, with the least not being the lack of a consensus for the definition of spirituality. In an ultimate sense, spirituality is an individual experience while yet there aresome universal threads that can be found within life. Many efforts have been made attempting to define spirituality. One source found nearly 500 scientific articles prior to 2020containing definitions for spirituality. Spirituality is different from religion but yet may encompass religion. Religion involvesengaging in corporate activities such as worship with others who share similar religious beliefs and are typically held accountable by a governing body to a set of tenets and doctrines. Spirituality is subjective and multi-dimensional.
Here are some of my thoughts about spirituality. Spirituality is an individual journey seeking answers to existential answers about life, about meaning, and about relationship to sacred or transcendent. Spirituality may be ritualistic and communal or lived boundless and individualistically. Spirituality is living from a sense of purpose and meaning. It involves an awareness of what we value and living a life congruent with that which we value. Our behavior aligns with what we value.
Spirituality tenders the opportunity of being aware and awake to the present moment with intention and nonjudgment which can precipitate a sense of gratitude an awe. It involves embracing the moment without labelling it good or bad or attaching any thoughts to it, but simply being with it while knowing its impermanence. Each breath, each hour, each day are gifts. When I tremble in the shadow of the inevitability of my own short-lived life, I find solace in the gratitude of the days I have livedand for the one I have now.
Spirituality involves a connection and a sense of oneness with others and with all of life. I was sitting on the front porch the other morning looking over the river and all of nature. I watched and listened to the dance and music of the trees. Each tree had its own unique dance and song. I felt the kiss and caress of the wind as it gently brushed against my body. I gazed in wonder as the many kinds of butterflies and bees made love with the blooms of the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas. I knew in that moment that I was not alone, that others in that very moment wereexperiencing and others throughout the ages had experienced similar moments in their lives.
The research is clear that both religion and spirituality have a positive impact upon mental and physical health. A belief in God has shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and as a buffer to symptoms of depression. Feeling connected with self reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Feeling connected with others contributes to a greater sense of life satisfaction and has been found to have a strong correlation with fewer cardiovascular issues and chronic illnesses.
Nurturing a spiritual life is good for the mind, body, and spirit.
